SHOPPERS were stunned as dozens of gorgeous pole dancers took their skills to the streets to help promote an international pole dance competition.

No stop-sign or lamp-post was safe from the ultra-fit women who used the street as a showcase for an activity they hope one day will become an Olympic sport.

The athletes were taking part in the the Miss Pole Dance Medellin, in Colombia – a qualifying heat for the national competition on July 30.Organizer Alejandra Santamaria said: “We wanted to promote what pole dance can be, a great deal of gymnastics, lots of technique and fun.

“Pole dance has still lots of space to grow. As of today, it is not even understood. In Latin America, many still think it is related to striptease and they have no clue about the challenge it represents.”

Co-promoter Ingrid Tsai added: “The hardest part in urban pole dancing is finding a structure with a good girth.”